Fairport Harbor Historical Society sponsors Antique Coin Roadshow on July 17th

Museums, especially small historical society based sites need to be creative to continue to attract visitors.  New displays, thematic calendar years, or educational programming are the most commonly used practices.  The Fairport Harbor Historical Society and its volunteers maintain  The Fairport Harbor Lighthouse and Marine Museum.  Since 2009 the historical society has sought to expand the museum's appeal to more than just the most ardent lighthouse enthusiast.  2011 will see a  September Art Show during the Perchfest weekend for a third straight year.  Sunset/ Moonrise Private Tours (wine & cheese party) began in 2010 and continue into 2011.  Added to the private tour nights this year are three additional collaborative kayak / lighthouse tour summer evenings with Lake Metroparks.  Coming this Sunday, July 17th is another new niche program.  From 1-6pm an Antique 'Coin' Roadshow will be held.  Free to the public, local coin expert Tom Jerpbak will be at the lighthouse to educate the public.  Tom is the proprietor of Ye Olde Oaken Bucket in Painesville.  Tom can appraise your old coins ( pre-1964 are most valuable), offer sale advice and even purchase your coins during the event.  You may even schedule an appointment at his shop for another date if you choose.  While you are there, you might even want to stop in the museum or climb the 69 steps of the lighthouse tower and experience the beauty of Lake Erie from a unique vantage point.  Whether you are interested in celebrating Fairport's past or simply interested in participating in its present, a trip to 129 Second Street is well worth your time.

The Fairport Harbor History Society - sixty-six years strong

The Fairport Lighthouse and Marine Museum is situated on a lighthouse reservation dating back to 1825.  It is the first Great Lakes lighthouse Marine Museum in the State of Ohio as well as in the United States.  Founded in 1945 by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society ( an all volunteer society), the museum is devoted to preserving and perpetuating historic tradition and sentiment in Fairport Harbor and the Great Lakes Area.  The FHHS maintains a research library.  The FHHS has an artifact collection featuring the 1871 tower, keeper's dwelling, and several outdoor structures.  The mainmast of the 1843 iron hulled USS Michigan is on site.  The Pilothouse of the carrier Frontenac (properly appointed) is open to the public.  USLSS and USCG artifacts are featured including a working foghorn, lyle gun, and lifesaving car.  The FHHS holds educational programs of historical interest in the spring and fall.  A quarterly newsletter 'Through the Porthole' highlights society events and informs members of museum projects.  Nineteen other special events dot the 2011 museum season and offer niche experiences at the lighthouse.  The museum is open 1-6pm onWednesdays, Saturdays, Sunday, and all legal holidays.

For more information on Tom Jerpbak's visit on July 17th or any other FHHS event please call 440-354-4825 or visit www.fairportlighthouse.com